Faces of HR: Alexander Schaffel on Alignment and Harmonious Relationships
After undergrad, Alexander Schaffel got his start in the HR industry working in recruiting, with a focus on front-office financial services for a New York City-based organization. Not long after, he segued into law, practiced for 12 years, and joined Segal McCambridge, where he has spent the past 7 years as a shareholder. After some time, he sought an opportunity that would combine his legal and people experience. Fortunately, his firm saw a need for the very thing he sought and promoted him to director of recruitment and development.
In his newly established role, Schaffel spearheads firm-wide efforts to attract and retain top legal talent and oversees law school recruitment programs. Additionally, his duties include implementing internal training programs to help new hires integrate into the firm.
“A strong recruiting team is vital to the longevity of a company,” he recently shared with HR Daily Advisor. “HR can demonstrate its value to leadership by helping to find qualified candidates who not only fit well within the organization but can also become part of the team for many years to come.”
In our latest Faces, meet Alexander Schaffel.
What’s your favorite part about working in the industry? What’s your least favorite part, and how would you change it?
There are many aspects of my career that I enjoy. I love being able to speak with various candidates and connect them with our internal needs. When we welcome a new hire, it’s rewarding that the person found the job they are looking for and the hiring manager found the right candidate. I enjoy building relationships with new employees and assisting with their development. My goal is to ensure everyone feels comfortable and confident here at Segal McCambridge. The hardest part of my job is knowing there are candidates out there who would be a fit, but sometimes, we never connect.
It sounds like, through your experience, you really care about people, and you want to help them feel safe and comfortable, which is important in the industry. Please elaborate here.
I want to make sure that the candidate is the right fit for the firm but also that the firm is the right fit for them. Changing jobs can be exciting, but it also comes with its challenges. I make it a priority to ensure the new hire is placed in the right role and that their goals align with the goals of the firm. When these aspects align, the work becomes harmonious. We want the new employee to grow with the firm, share in the success of the firm, and enjoy longevity.
What are you most proud of?
Earning a reputation as someone who cares about the firm and its employees, is responsive, is hardworking, and is enthusiastic about the future and growth of the firm and our entire team. My passion is amplifying the talent at our firm and ensuring our clients get high-quality, thoughtful professionals working on their cases.
Do you have any advice for people entering the profession?
Network, network, network. You can never know too many people or have too many contacts both in your field and in other fields.
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